March in Japan is a season of anticipation. Across the country, people watch the cherry blossom forecast closely, waiting for the first delicate petals of Sakura, or cherry blossom, to appear. According to the flowering forecast, it starts blooming as early as 18th of March this year, slightly earlier than normal. This centuries-old tradition, known as Hanami, is the art of appreciating the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms.
But you don’t need to be in Kyoto or Tokyo to experience that magic.
Across the UK, there are beautiful spots where you can enjoy your own hanami moment. In North Yorkshire, The Stray in Harrogate (where we are based) is famous for its avenues of soft pink blossom each spring. In London, Kew Gardens, Greenwich Park, and Regent’s Park all offer wonderful cherry tree displays. Further north, places like The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland also celebrate the season with spectacular blooms. Wherever you are, there is often a cherry tree not too far away - just waiting to be noticed.
What Is Hanami?
Hanami (花見) literally means ‘flower viewing,’ but it represents something far deeper than simply admiring blossoms.
In Japan, families, friends, and colleagues gather beneath the cherry trees to share food, tea, and conversation. The blossoms last only a short time, often just a week or two, reminding us of the beauty and impermanence of life. This gentle awareness, known as ‘mono no aware’, encourages us to slow down and truly notice the present moment.
If you want to know more about Hanami, take a look at our other blogs such as ‘What is Hanami in Japan’, ‘Hanami: Japan’s Cherished Tradition of Cherry Blossom’.
Hanami is a celebration not just of flowers, but of connection.
Creating Your Own Hanami Moment
Even without vast parks filled with sakura, or cherry blossom, you can embrace the spirit of Hanami wherever you are.
- Brew a pot of green tea and step into the garden.
- Arrange a small table with floral crockery.
- Light a stick of Japanese incense and pause for a few quiet minutes.
- Invite a friend for tea beneath blossoming trees.
It doesn’t need to be elaborate. In fact, simplicity is very much in keeping with Japanese tradition.
A sakura-patterned teacup, a soft table runner in spring tones, or a small lucky ornament placed by an open window can subtly bring the feeling of the season indoors.
(Sakura Fubuki Premium Japanese Matcha Tea Cup, bamboo whisk and whisk stand)
Hanami at Harlow Carr
If you are close to Harrogate, you can experience blossom season unfolding in the dedicated Cherry Garden at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, where spring brings a beautiful display of ornamental cherry trees. It’s a peaceful setting to pause, stroll beneath the blossoms, and enjoy your own version of hanami here in the UK.
And while you’re there, we would love you to visit us at our pop-up shop, open until 19th April. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see our collection in person, from delicate ceramics to seasonal gifts, and perhaps find something special to mark the arrival of spring.
(We are looking forward to welcoming you at the Harlow Carr pop-up shop!)
Whether you choose to shop online, visit our showroom, or come and see us at Harlow Carr, this is the perfect moment to welcome a little Japanese-inspired spring into your home.
Because like cherry blossoms, the season is fleeting and that is exactly what makes it so beautiful.